The Imo State Police Command has alleged that the Eastern Security Network, ESN, an armed wing of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, was behind the killing of two police officers and a civilian on Tuesday morning at Akabo in Ikeduru Council Area of Imo state.

The State Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, Henry Okoye, disclosed this in a statement to newsmen in Owerri while reacting to the killings.

It added that the command had deployed a Special Tactical Squad and equipped them with the available operational resources to apprehend the killers.

According to the command, “The Commissioner of Police Imo State Command, CP Aboki Danjuma has deployed the Command’s Special Tactical Squad and equipped them with the available operational resources and intelligence to go all out in synergy with other security agencies and clamp down on the hoodlums responsible for the unprovoked and unwarranted attack and killing of Police Mobile operatives conducting stop-and-search at Akabo in Ikeduru LGA of Imo State.

“The tragic incident was perpetrated In the early hours of 11/06/2024 by hoodlums suspected to be members of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed affiliate Eastern Security Network (ESN) who attacked the operatives in their numbers firing sporadically. The operatives fought gallantly but unfortunately, two personnel and a civilian were fatally hit.

“In the wake of the tragic incident, the Commissioner of Police Imo State Command, CP Aboki Danjuma alongside the DC Operations led Police Operatives to the scene of the crime for an on-the-spot assessment of the incident. Intense operation is ongoing in the area for possible apprehension and prosecution of the fleeing hoodlums responsible for the senseless act of violence.

“More so, the Commissioner of Police has set up a high-powered investigation team and tasked them to carry out a comprehensive investigation to unravel the perpetrators of the attack. Meanwhile, the lifeless bodies of the affected officers and a civilian have been recovered and deposited in a mortuary for preservation.

“The ugly incident serves as a stark and painful reminder of the daily risk and sacrifices Police officers embrace in their unwavering commitment to safeguarding the lives and properties of the good people of Imo State.”

“While commiserating with the affected families on the death of their loved ones, the Commissioner of Police assured them that no stone will be left unturned in ensuring that the culprits are brought to book.

“The Command, therefore, calls on all and sundry who may have any useful information that will assist in the ongoing investigation to bring the culprit to book to kindly report at the nearest Police Station or via the Command’s emergency lines 08034773600 or 08098880197,” Police said.